If you’re craving a fresh and vibrant dish that promises a perfect harmony of flavors, the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe is your new go-to. This salad bursts with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the creamy tang of feta, and the crisp earthiness of baby spinach, all tied together with a luscious balsamic dressing. It’s a delightful mix that feels both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for brightening up any meal or serving as a light, refreshing lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary balance of sweetness, saltiness, crunch, and freshness. Each component plays an essential role in making this salad both delightful and satisfying.
- 6 cups baby spinach: The tender, nutrient-packed base that adds vibrant green color and a mild, fresh flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of summery brightness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and slightly salty, feta adds indulgence and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness that complements the sweetness.
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle sharpness and a pop of color, though it’s optional if you prefer a milder taste.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The base for the dressing that adds richness and helps everything meld together.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy sweetness that balances the salad perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the dish’s incredible flavors.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by gathering your fresh ingredients and placing the baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted sliced almonds. If you’re a fan of a slight bite, throw in those thin slices of red onion. This combination builds the foundation of the salad, layering fresh textures and tastes that are both rewarding and visually inviting.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Take your time emulsifying the dressing until it’s smooth and glossy. This dressing is the magic ingredient that ties all the flavors together, offering just the right balance of tang, sweetness, and a subtle bite from the mustard.
Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently
Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each leaf and slice gets coated in that flavorful dressing without bruising the delicate spinach. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve immediately for the freshest experience. The contrast of textures and tastes here really shines best when the salad is enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted almonds or crumbled feta on top for an inviting final touch. For a hint of freshness, consider adding some thinly sliced fresh basil or mint leaves, which pair beautifully with the strawberries and feta and add a subtle aromatic lift.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken for a light summer dinner, add alongside a hearty soup to brighten things up, or enjoy it as a stand-alone lunch. It also complements dishes like grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, or even a rustic flatbread perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers or arrange it on a large platter with strawberry halves and almond clusters artfully scattered on top. For a fun twist, try piling the salad into hollowed-out whole strawberries or cucumber cups to create eye-catching, bite-sized servings at a gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and store the dressing separately. This helps the spinach stay crisp and the flavors fresh. When ready to eat, simply toss the salad with the dressing again for that just-made taste.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate spinach and strawberries will lose their texture and freshness when thawed, which can detract from the overall experience of the dish.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. It’s meant to be eaten cool and crisp, preserving the bright flavors and textures that make this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use different greens in this salad?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is the classic choice for this recipe, you can swap in arugula or mixed baby greens for a peppery or varied flavor profile. Just keep in mind that spinach’s mild earthy notes pair especially well with strawberries and feta.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or ricotta salata instead. Both will provide a creamy texture and a tangy bite, though with slightly different flavor nuances. For a dairy-free option, you could use a tangy vegan cheese or simply omit the cheese altogether.
How do I toast the almonds?
Toasting almonds is easy and adds amazing flavor: just place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until they’re fragrant and golden brown, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the components ahead by washing and slicing everything, then store them separately in the fridge. Wait to combine with dressing until just before serving to keep everything as fresh and crisp as possible.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Just keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating. This salad holds up well for next-day lunches, making it a refreshing, healthy option for busy days that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe is such a winner because it captures the essence of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that feels both satisfying and light. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becoming one of your absolute favorites for any season.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad with creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad balances sweet and savory flavors with a delightful mix of textures.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. Add thinly sliced red onion if desired for an extra bite and flavor layer.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth, ensuring all ingredients are blended perfectly.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the dressing vegan.
- To toast almonds, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and stir almonds until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid making it too far in advance to prevent sogginess.
- Add grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost to turn this salad into a full meal.
